It was a lovely afternoon on Sunday 1st September in the Presbytery Gardens of Our Lady and St Neot Liskeard. Many thanks to Fr Gilmour’s brother and sister-in-law, and all who helped with the preparations and organisation. The good weather was a blessing, but a lot of hard work behind the scenes made for a great success and it was another occasion for all four church communities of the parish {Our Lady and St Neot, Liskeard; Our Lady of the Angels, Saltash; Our Lady of Light, Sclerder Abbey and St Joan of Arc, Torpoint} to work together and especially to come together to give thanks for the past nine years we have shared our earthly pilgrimage. It’s hard to believe that Fr Gilmour has left us. I speak for the whole Parish when I say, you are going to be truly missed! You have been such a kind, patient and understanding Priest. We all wish you the best in your retirement – though we understand it is only 2 days! You have been asked to help at another parish, good health and don’t work too hard! It’s never goodbye, just Au Revoir and see you soon!!

Every year Liskeard hosts Liskeard Unlocked as part of the National Heritage Open Days. There is a varied programme of walks, talks, exhibitions and a chance to see behind the doors which are normally closed. Our Lady and St Neot opened its doors on Saturdays 7th and 14th September and showed some clerical vestments and various silverware used in the church services, such as the Monstrance – used in Adoration and Holy Hour – Chalice and Paten - used in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. A History of the Church, shown in old pictures of the church, a model of a Tin Mine, made by one of our parishioners and a copper spun thread made by another one of our parishioners.

The last act of service from Fr Gilmour was to take part in Liskeard Old Cornwall Society’s annual ‘Crying of the Neck’ at Liskeard Cattle Market. Crying The Neck is a harvest festival tradition once common in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, in which a farm worker holds aloft the final handful of cut corn and a series of calls are chanted.

The tradition declined following the invention of machines such as the combine harvester, but besides this has persisted into modern times across Devon and Cornwall albeit to a more limited extent. In Devon the tradition was still recorded as occurring regularly on the Exmoor coast in 1950, and more recently has seen reintroduction elsewhere such as Stoke where it occurs annually alongside the Village Summer Fair. In Cornwall there was an organised revival of the practice on five farms in the 20 years after the Second World War by the Old Cornwall Society, which still organises most events where the tradition is practised to this day.

In the story of Cornwall, by Kenneth Hamilton Jenkin the following explanation is given on the practice: “In those days the whole of the reaping had to be done either with the hook or scythe. The harvest, in consequence, often lasted for many weeks. When the time came to cut the last handful of corn, one of the reapers would lift the branch high above his head and call out in a loud voice ……. “I ‘ave ‘un! I ‘ave ‘un! I ‘ave ‘un!”
The rest would then shout “What ‘ave ‘ee? What ‘ave ‘ee? What ‘ave ‘ee?” and the reply would be: “A neck! A neck! A neck!” Everyone then joined in shouting: “Hurrah! Hurrah for the neck! Hurrah for Mr So-and-So” {calling the Farmer by name}”
The ceremony is given in the Cornish Language, between the reaper {An Tregher} and the others {An Re erel}:

Liskeard Old Cornwall Society: Crying the Neck 2024

Introduction by Brian Oldham; Opening Prayer in Cornish by Rod Sheaff; Opening Prayer in English and Reading in English by Father Gilmour.

Jim Moon raises the neck aloft to the North and shouts “Yma? genef! Yma genef! Yma genef!” We all ask: “Pandr’ us genes? Pandr’ us genes? Pandr’ us genes?” Jim replies: “Pen Yar! Pen Yar! Pen Yar!” We all shout: “Houra! Houra! Houra!” This is repeated facing to the East and then to the South, but not to the West as this may bring a poor Harvest next year!

The neck is passed to the Mayor of Liskeard Christina Whitty who repeats the above but says it in English. The Lord’s Prayer is recited in Cornish by Rod Sheaff, then the Lord’s Prayer in English by all and a blessing is given by Fr Gilmour. Finally, some Classic Cornish Songs are sung by Melodi Liskerret and the ceremony concludes. Robert Hunt wrote in his Popular Romances of the West of England that the neck would be hung in the farmhouse after the ceremony. In a harvest scene in the third episode of the second series of the 2015 of Poldark, Francis Poldark performs the tradition at Trenwith, his estate. Also, in a harvest scene in the third episode of the supernatural drama The Living and the Dead, Charlotte Appleby performs the tradition at her husband’s family farm, which she manages.

On Saturday 3rd August 2024 at Liskeard Public Hall Our Lady and St Neot Catholic Church, Liskeard we held our summer fete – a big thank you goes out everyone who helped, donated and attended. It was a very successful, joyful day, and an amazing amount of money was raised for the Parish. The Lady Mayoress of Liskeard attended along with representatives from all four of our churches, Liskeard; Saltash; Sclerder Abbey, Looe and Torpoint and lots of local people came along to joint in the fun. Congratulations to everyone involved!

We have been called by the Diocese of Plymouth to turn away from violence and embrace peace and reconciliation: “The Southwest of England has long been a place of welcome. Our beautiful countryside and wonderful coast have been havens for those fleeing violence and discrimination. The realisation that we feel helpless as individuals in the gigantic, global upheavals in our time disturb that peace and bring fear and anxiety not only in family relationships or friendships, but also discrimination in different races and cultures and those of different faiths.

What can be done? We Pray!! Jesus tells us to “treat others as we would like them to treat us”. This is our hope. This is our prayer.
When we pray – God listens. When we listen – God talks. When you believe – God works. When you can’t pray – God knows {What’s in your heart}.
When we have nothing to give, lets us give him that nothingness! The essential thing is not what we say, but what God says through us. Prayer does not demand we interrupt our work, but that we continue working as if were a prayer.

The more we go around, the better we understand how very necessary it is for us to pray for the work we do, to make the work our love for God in Action. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.

Strengthen our resolve to work for reconciliation and peace within our communities.
Help us not to harden our hearts, to redouble our efforts to welcome the stranger and to reach out to those in need.

Thus, God leads us by strange ways; we know He wills our happiness, but we neither know what our happiness is, nor the way. We are blind; left to ourselves we should take the wrong way; we must leave it to Him. Let us put ourselves into his hands, and not be startled though He leads us by a strange way, a mirabilis via {wonderful way}, as the Church speaks. Let us be sure He will lead us right, that he will bring us to that which is not indeed what we think best, nor what is best for another, but what is best for us!

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’!” {Isaiah 52:7}

Our Lady & St Neot’s Bethany group, for their end of year celebration, visited Father David Mead’s retreat near Bugle, Cornwall. The theme for the afternoon was ‘PEACE’. We brought with us our ‘peace dove’ which had been brought back from The Holy Land by some of our parishioners in May 2019. Ten people shared a wonderfully peaceful and tranquil afternoon in the fabulously secluded grounds. The sun shone for us, and the weather was perfect. A candle was lit in our peace dove during the opening prayers said by Father David.

Some sobering statistics from the Global Peace index were discussed. Of 197 countries in the world, 92 are in conflict beyond their borders and 97 have deteriorated in peacefulness. Gaza and Ukraine are the main drivers with battle deaths in 2023 as 162,000. 110 million people are either refugees or internally displaced due to violent conflict. 16 countries host more than ½ million refugees. In Lebanon 1 in 4 people are refugees, Germany have taken 2. 5 million refugees, while United Kingdom have taken 0.25 million. Among the most peaceful countries are Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand and Singapore. The least being Yemen, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Middle East, and North Africa. Sobering facts, then thirty peace verses from the bible were contemplated.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. {John 16:33}

Participants wandered around the grounds in solitude to meditate or to pray in the beautiful tiny chapel, some chose to stay in the summer house by the tranquil pond to enjoy the gentle sound of water and observe the fish and fleeting dragonflies. Tea, sandwiches, cream and jam scones and fruit were shared, and people enjoyed a time to chat and reflect. Father David was thanked for hosting the afternoon. The closing prayer, St Francis of Assisi’s peace prayer ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace’ was read by a participant followed by a blessing from Father David.

On the first Saturday of every month, at Our Lady & St Neot Liskeard, from 10:30am until 14:00 we have Open Church. Come to light a candle, say a prayer, find out about the history of our church and look around, meet new people and come and have a chat. Everyone is welcome! Tea/Coffee, biscuits and cake are available.

“What even you have learned or received or heard from me or see in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. {Philippians 4:9}

Every Thursday at Liskeard at 18:00 we live stream on our Parish website via YouTube our Holy Hour – Exposition and Divine Mercy Litany. Please join us for a quiet hour of contemplation and reflection; “Could you not watch one hour with Me” {Matthew 26:40} This is very much at the heart of our Evangelisation in Liskeard. Just as Elijah encountered God in the still small voice, we can develop the habit of listening to God in quiet prayer and reflection. This is not easy in our noisy world, where we are often bombarded with messages from TV and social media. But by following Elijah’s example, we can be brought to a place of tranquillity and peace, where we may be ready for an encounter with God.

“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful with the fire of your love”.

Living life in the power of the Holy Spirit is at the very heart and essence of the Christian vocation. As we open our lives to this power, we will begin to manifest the fruits and gifts of the Spirit.

Pope Francis recently introduced this new feast day – the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church - which is celebrated on the Monday after the feast of Pentecost.

Mary was present at the key moments in Jesus’ life: his birth, during his ministry, at the foot of the cross and in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. She is both the model disciple and also teacher of how to treasure, ponder and pray on the mystery of Christ. Mary was present in the Upper Room and right at the very heart of the Church’s beginning. She remains at the heart of the Church and just as John took Mary into his home, so we must too. Mary teaches us to speak little, listen a lot and cherish the word of God in our hearts.

The Holy Spirit leads us to nurture a Marian piety; through saying the Rosary especially but also by studying the Scriptures that refer to Mary. She is always close to us, not just at the hour of our death but every moment, and we turn to her intercession and rejoice in her witness and example of faith.

“Mother, help our faith! Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One. And may this light of faith always increase in us”.
{Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei}

This is very much at the heart of our Evangelisation in Liskeard. At our Exposition on Thursday 16th of May instead of the Divine Mercy Litany in honour of Mary we said The Rosary and Fatima prayer, for the intentions of a family new to our parish in Liskeard.
In April the Bethany group made flames for our Pentecost display in front of the altar, Our Lady altar and windows.

In May the Bethany group’s monthly theme was caring for our planet and restoration of nature as part of the Diocese Laudato Si week. We talked about and discussed how small actions can make a huge change. We also make pompoms to add to the Mossy Carpet mass participation artwork which was on display at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface before moving on to other locations. Liskeard’s contribution was a peace dove carrying an olive branch in its beak.

The Mossy Carpet is a moss-inspired artwork that celebrates everyone’s steps towards a better world. Moss was the first plant to venture out of the sea and onto the barren land. Over millions of years, mosses have trapped energy and buried carbon deep beneath the surface, transforming our planet into a place where life could thrive. Each tiny moss reveals skills for using energy well and successful living. Persistence, resilience, simplicity, and adaptability. From mosses we gain hope as they return carbon to the earth. There is so much to learn from nature. Through a small moss plant, we are told tiny actions make a big difference. When we work together, we can bring abundance back to abandoned places.

Carbon looms large, it is the giant of our times. On our own, we can feel powerless, but when we work together, we can bury the giant. This artwork gives inspiration, comfort and hope. Creative activities help us to slow down, have better conversations, imagine new things, have fun and feel more connected.

​“God who gives us breath; We pray for the world we live in: that God may open our eyes to recognise the goodness of all creation and help us to do what we can to restore and care for the wonderful gift that we have been given. May he open our ears to hear his still small voice urging us to make good choices for this world. Amen” {CAFOD}

“Heavenly Father, we know that you long to nourish and strengthen us as we come before you in prayer. Grant us the grace to persevere in our prayer and spend time with you, so that we may grow in love for you and communicate that love to those around us. Only prolonged contact with God can transform each of us inwardly into a disciple of his. It is through prayer, meditation and silent listening to God that we are enabled to speak to other people.”
 MATTHEW: 26:40 – So you had not the strength to keep awake with me one hour?

Sunday Mass at 11:00 and Holy Hour on a Thursday at 18:00 - Exposition and Divine Mercy Litany, followed by a time of silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament - will both be live streamed every week via YouTube. The link to watch the live streaming is on our Parish website. Where we now have a new “Donate Here” button. Donations for the Parish can now be made via our website. Please do look if you are able to.

Our Warm Space this year, where all are welcome to come along, has taken a different direction this year. While walking around the streets of Liskeard, inviting anyone to come along and join us for a 2 course Hot Meal, we have been joined by teenagers between 16 – 18 years, who have come back with us and interacted with us. One young girl saying that this was the first time she had ever stepped inside a church. Liskeard like many places in Cornwall do not seem to cater for this age group, which is very sad.

Friday February 16th and throughout Lent saw the start of our Mass and Lenten Lunches starting at 12 noon. Like Warm Space all donations will be split between two local charities – Liskeard Foodbank and St Petroc’s. As Saltash will also be doing Mass and Lenten Lunches, Liskeard and Saltash will alternate each week with either Mass or Stations of the Cross. Saltash donations will go towards Saltash Church Roof Fund.
 
Just before Christmas we reopened St Neots Repository and have had lots of positive comments about the wonderful selection of cards and Catholic gifts on sale. We are intending to get the Repository set up on our website – where you will be able to view and purchase items.

We also have a Monthly Meat/Vegetable Hamper Raffle. The first draw took place on Saturday 2nd February during open church which is on the first Saturday of every month and a lucky parishioner won a nice pork, fruit and vegetable hamper.

Also, a new Fund Booster is being set up on the 1st March based on the National Lottery bonus ball with a draw taking place on the first Wednesday and first Saturday of each month. 50% of the prize money will be shared between the two draws – so two chances to win each month. The other 50% of the money will be donated to the Parish funds. You reserve a number between 1-59, on a first come, first serve basis, at a cost of £5:00 a month per number and payment can be made by various methods. Please contact the Parish Secretary to reserve a number or ask any questions.

Our Bethany Group meeting was held on Wednesday 21st February in the St Neot’s room of Liskeard Church. We explored St Valentine plus great love stories of the Old Testament as part of God’s unfolding plan. Some of the love stories we discussed: Genesis 16: Abram and Sarai {later called Abraham and Sarah} – first recorded surrogacy; Genesis 24: Isaac and Rebecca - Love at first sight; Genesis 29 – Jacob, Leah and Rachel – The things we do for love; Judges 16 v 4-22 Samson and Delilah – Love, pillow talk and betrayal; 2 Samuel Ch 11 – desires and sin; Ruth 1-4 Ruth and Boaz – Love at first sight. This led to a very lively discussion and put into perspective God’s unfolding plan for his children.

Lent is a journey towards the joy of Easter Sunday but also a bold affirmation of our baptismal promises, for through baptism we are born again and enter the kingdom of God, becoming a new creation. ‘New life in this kingdom is about joy, righteousness, peace and bearing witness to the fruits that the Holy Spirit gives especially – love and patience’ {Galatians 5:22}. 

A New Year is a new opportunity to grow and mature in faith. None of us can know what the future holds; none of us knows what this new year will bring. What we can know for sure is that life is an adventure, an invitation to walk with God and discover anew his great plan for our lives.

Ending our year at Liskeard, several of our parish made a trip on Sunday 17th December to Our Lady of the Angels at Saltash for an afternoon Christmas Concert by the Burraton Boys with refreshments afterwards. A lot of Christmas Songs and Carols were sung with the audience participating in the chorus. However, the highlight had to be ‘While shepherds watched their flocks by night’ sung to the tune of the famous Animals’ hit ‘House of the Rising Sun’ - amazingly they both go together so very well!

On the Saturday just before Christmas Eve at Liskeard, we held our Candlelight Carol Service Led by our Deacon Peter, and Deacon Andrew from Truro. Many favourite carols were sung. A big thank you must go to our talented young organist Owen who played for us at the Carol Service and throughout the year each Sunday – we are all so very proud of him. 

We will be opening the St Neots room again in 2024 for our Warm Space on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Starting on Saturday 6th January 2024, we hope to provide a 2-course hot lunch, plus tea/coffee and cake. Again, all donations will go to St Petroc. This will then lead into our Lenten Lunches on Friday 23rd February.
Our Monthly Bethany Group will commence on Wednesday 17th January 2024 at 14:30 in the St Neot room, with a talk about the work of the Foodbank.

​Sunday evening 29th October in the Town Hall saw the launch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal with Liskeard Silver Band and Polperro Fishermen’s Friends – a lovely evening was enjoyed by all – and was supported by many parishioners from Liskeard.

Our Bethany Group will meet on Wednesday 15th November in the St Neot’s room Liskeard, where there will be a talk by a member of Liskeard’s Royal British Legion on the history and work of the Royal British Legion. Refreshments will be available – for a small charge, to give the R.B.L. a donation towards their valuable work.
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A Christmas Bazaar is being planned for Saturday 2nd December in the St Neot’s room Liskeard. Raffle tickets are now available, a donor has offered to provide the prize money so all proceeds will help the parish. There will be a variety of stalls and our handmade Advent Candle Table Decorations.